VOACC Contact: Nicholle Granger
ngranger@voaches.org
VOACC Contact: Rev. Jules Christian
jchristian@voaches.org
April 9, 2025 | Greenbelt, MD
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) is proud to present Hope Wins, a powerful evening of inspiration, storytelling, music, and celebration. The event will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Zion Church in Greenbelt, MD. Hope Wins is a ticketed event designed to honor the strength of the human spirit while raising critical support for VOACC’s Crisis Ministry.
Renowned community advocate, WUSA9 anchor, and journalist Allison Seymour will emcee the evening, guiding attendees through a vibrant program of uplifting performances and testimonies.
“Renowned community advocate, WUSA9 anchor, and journalist Allison Seymour will emcee the evening, guiding attendees through a vibrant program of uplifting performances and testimonies.”
Allison Seymour, Anchor, WUSA9
The keynote speaker is Larry Ogunjobi, NFL Defensive Tackle for the Buffalo Bills, who will share a moving personal story about the power of hope and perseverance in the face of life’s toughest challenges.
“God has given me hope and will give you hope as well! Join me as I share my story at Hope Wins”
Larry Ogunjobi, NFL Defensive Tackle for the Buffalo Bills
Featured Performers Include:
- Hopeful Minds Outreach, Youth-led Nonprofit of Musicians, Martial Artists & Dancers
- Lillie Grace, Worship Leader & Recording Artist
- Larry Lancaster, Comedian
- Joseph George III, Recording Artist & VOACC Ministry Volunteer
- Brie Guiles, Worship Leader & Musician
Guests will enjoy live entertainment, opportunities to connect with community changemakers, and concessions available for purchase throughout the evening.
“Zion is excited to host Hope Wins, and it will be an evening of entertainment to remember. Everyone should come out to Hope Wins and hear testimonies of how people are triumphant through the generosity and assistance of others. When we give back to the community, everyone wins. Thank God who gives us hope.”
Pastor Darrell Townsend, Chief External Connections Officer, Zion Church
Why Attend?
Hope Wins is more than an event, it’s a celebration of hope in action. Every ticket purchased will support VOACC’s Crisis Ministry, a dedicated team of ministers providing crisis support to communities in need—responding to events like natural disasters, mass shootings, fires, and other emergencies.
Funds raised through Hope Wins will help create and distribute “crisis kits” with physical, emotional, and spiritual resources. The Ministry will also engage community leaders through debriefs, emotional support, workshops, focus groups, and resource fairs.
To learn more about the Bridging the Gap Colloquium, register, volunteer, or make a donation, visit www.voachesapeake.org/btg.
“VOACC’s Crisis Ministry is designed to help those in need weather and overcome some of life’s greatest challenges. Right now, we need hope more than ever. So much is going on in the world, and we need to remember to laugh, to sing, and to enjoy this life that God has given us.”
Rev. Jules Christian, Chaplain, Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
Event Highlights:
- Powerful keynote by Larry Ogunjobi
- Live music from diverse and talented performers
- Comedy and connection
- Community and celebration
- On-site concessions
- Support for a great cause
To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.voachesapeake.org/hopewins.
About Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (“VOACC”) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire self-reliance, dignity, and hope through housing, health and human services.
At VOACC, we have been helping to create Healthy Communities for All for over 129 years by aligning housing, health and human services. We actively pursue health equity by filling the gap in housing and care for underserved populations, including those who are experiencing homelessness, low-income, underinsured or uninsured, justice-involved and veterans. By offering integrated housing and care, we address the social determinants that impact the long-term stability for those in need.
Through a dedicated team of management, staff and volunteers who are guided by our Core Values – Visionary, One Body, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Faith – we are the safety net for thousands of men, women and children each year across Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the Carolinas. We operate over 49 programs focused on 8 areas of service: homeless services, affordable housing, mental health, substance use recovery, intellectual/developmental disabilities services, community re-entry, veteran services and workforce development.
VOACC has over 900 staff members and more than 2,000 volunteers. The organization helps over 9,700 individuals and families every year from Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. For more information on VOACC, please visit www.voachesapeake.org.